SHARING THE WILD: Can people and carnivores coexist?

Wolves, bears, and other large carnivores are increasingly part of conversations about how we share Colorado’s landscapes. As communities grow, land use changes, and climate change reshapes wildlife habitat, encounters between people and carnivores raise challenges about conservation, public safety, and the future of coexistence in ranching and rural communities.

Join us for a discussion about what coexistence looks like in practice. From protecting livestock and reducing conflicts to understanding public attitudes and balancing competing priorities. Our panelists will explore why these conflicts happen, what solutions are available, and how communities can navigate the challenges of living alongside wildlife.

Panelists:

Kevin Crooks, Professor, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Jon Salerno, Associate Professor, Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
Mark Vieira, Carnivore and Furbearer Program Manager, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Veronica Yovovich, Assistant Professor, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Moderator: Gene Kelly, Sustainable Futures Faculty Research Liaison, Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station